NEW DELHI (AP) — New Zealand’s deputy prime minister said on Friday that talks over a free trade agreement between his country and India were ongoing, but he didn't provide a timeline for when the two nations could eventually sign a deal.
Winston Peters, who is on a two-day visit to India, said that the negotiations were “going with real meaning now," calling them “a breakthrough in our economic relationship.”
India and New Zealand began negotiations in March for a trade pact, and had aimed to sign a deal in 60 days. The deal will significantly bolster economic ties between the two countries, but it has faced delays because of differences over tariffs on dairy products.
Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand stood at $1.7 billion in the 2023-24 financial year.
Talks between India and New Zealand were taking place amid global trade tensions, after U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose now-paused reciprocal tariffs on imported goods from several countries, including India.
Earlier this month, India and the United Kingdom clinched a trade deal. India is also engaged in trade talks with Washington.
Peters, who met with India’s Group of 20 emissary, Amitabh Kant, in New Delhi, said that India was New Zealand’s 12th-largest partner in trade and “we are determined that we’re going to work to change that.”
"Our strengths, from food and beverage products to agriculture, forestry, horticulture, education and tourism are world class. And our innovation in areas like outer space and renewable energy will find a welcoming partner in India," he said.
Peters said that the relationship between the two countries extended to defense and security, calling it a “priority for New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific."
"During a time of great uncertainty, instability and disorder, we have taken steps to work more closely on matters of defense and security with India," he said.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, right, poses for a photograph with New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters in New Delhi, India, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on X, via AP)
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, right, climbs a staircase with New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters in New Delhi, India, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on X, via AP)
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 13, 2026--
As medical device manufacturers face mounting pressures to reduce environmental risk, improve traceability, and accelerate product development, Americhem is preparing to highlight a suite of new technologies that reflect these industry shifts at Pharmapack (Paris) and MD&M West (Anaheim) in early 2026.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260112893294/en/
The company, known for its healthcare-focused polymer compounds and masterbatches, will showcase five key technologies, each designed to respond to the technical and regulatory complexities facing modern medtech—particularly in areas like connected care, self-administered delivery, and robotic-assisted interventions. Among the engineered solutions:
Americhem is actively engaging with OEM partners to co-develop and validate them for next-generation device applications. The company reports continued double-digit growth in its healthcare segment, supported by its ISO 13485-certified facilities in the U.S. and Denmark and upcoming expansion into China in 2026.
Americhem will also participate in the SPE Minitec Conference held during MD&M West, joining technical discussions on materials innovation for evolving care models.
“There’s a clear shift happening—material choices are now deeply tied to sustainability goals, regulatory scrutiny, and device functionality,” said Matt Miklos, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and M&A at Americhem. “What we’re bringing to these shows is not a catalog—it’s a pipeline of engineered solutions designed to be customized, scaled, and validated in partnership with OEMs who are navigating that complexity every day.”
Americhem’s approach emphasizes long-term material consistency, global compliance, and early design collaboration—factors increasingly prioritized by engineering and R&D teams charged with building the next wave of medical devices.
For technical inquiries or to request early access to sample materials, visit www.americhem.com/industries/healthcare/.
About Americhem
Americhem is an innovative, technology-driven leader in the global polymer industry. Its foundation is built around delivering Performance, Solutions and Trust through close collaboration with customers. All of the company's products are backed by complete technical support that ensures quality, reliability, and value. Americhem operates 10 manufacturing plants and maintains sales offices throughout the world. Visit www.Americhem.com for more information.
Engineered for medical nonwovens, Americhem’s PFAS-free nDryve™ additive delivers fluorine-free fluid repellency to surgical gowns, hygiene drapes, and barrier fabrics—addressing OEM demand for safer, sustainable performance in single-use healthcare textiles.
Americhem’s laser-marking ready thermoplastics enable permanent, high-contrast part identification directly on molded medical components—ideal for cleanroom environments where labels or inks are not viable. Designed for compliance and traceability, these materials support regulatory and workflow demands in modern device manufacturing.
